Tracking Residual Disease in Myeloma With Flow Cytometry

95 percent of plasma cell neoplasms show loss of CD19.

Flow cytometry differentiates normal from neoplastic plasma cells.

Normal plasma cells express CD19, CD38; neoplastic forms often do not.

MRD testing is influenced by persistent plasma cells post-therapy.

Anti-CD38 treatment requires additional markers for detection.

Standardized panels enhance accuracy in differentiating cell types.

MRD negativity is included in response criteria by the International Myeloma Working Group.